First TBM breaks through for south London power tunnels

July 21, 2022

The first of five drives by four tunnel boring machines (TBM) in London was completed in June, travelling 6.7 km (4.1 miles) underneath the capital.

A team of ‘boring’ National Grid workers marked the completion of its journey across south London, with the breakthrough in Eltham.

City AM reported that the London Power Tunnels project started in July of 2021 year reaching depths of 50 m (165 ft) underground, and completed the breakthrough on June 21.

It marks a key moment in the £1bn project to rewire the capital and prepare for the future’s greater electricity demands, while also helping the energy sector to reach its net-zero targets.

The 140-t (154-ft) Herrenknecht TBM, named ‘Christine’ after Christine Townley, the former Executive Director of the Construction Youth Trust, known for her championing of diversity and STEM careers, began its journey at the LPT site in Hurst in July of last year.

Members of the LPT project team gathered at the Eltham site to witness this major milestone and celebrate their achievement. National Grid’s three other TBMs, 'Edith', 'Grace', and 'Caroline' continue their tunneling work deep underground across sites in South London.

Speaking at the breakthrough, Gareth Burden, Project Director, London Power Tunnels, National Grid, said: “The completion of Christine’s journey from Hurst to Eltham represents a significant milestone for all of us working on London Power Tunnels. After close to a year of tunnelling, it is exciting to see the first connection between sites.

“The team has worked so hard to make this happen, in the face of tough ground conditions. Thanks to Hochtief Murphy Joint Venture (HMJV), Herrenknecht, our engineers, fitters, miners and everyone else involved. A special thanks also goes to the Joseph Gallagher Limited gangs who put in some hard yards down in the tunnel. It’s great to take a moment to celebrate with them and see the flags and kits proudly on display.”

 

“The completion of Christine’s journey from Hurst to Eltham represents a significant milestone for all of us working on London Power Tunnels today. After close to a year of tunnelling, it is exciting to see the first connection between sites”, said Gareth Burden, Project Director, London Power Tunnels, National Grid.

“The team has worked so hard to make this happen, in the face of tough ground conditions.Thanks to HMJV, our engineers, fitters, miners and all else involved. A special thanks also goes to the JGL gangs who put in some hard yards down in the tunnel. It’s great to take a moment to celebrate with them all today and see so many flags and kits proudly on display.”

 

 

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